Hope Givers

Connected, the Atlanta-based film company who produces the EMMY® Award-Winning teen mental health series, Hope Givers, is delighted to unveil their third annual Hope Film Challenge. This annual film competition empowers teenagers to tell their stories of hope and resilience from the unique vantage point of the teen perspective. For the past two years, this initiative has inspired creativity and connectedness among young filmmakers and educators, receiving over 500 submissions from students across seven states and 15 Georgia counties.

In this year's challenge, teenagers are encouraged to explore and express their experiences, challenges, and triumphs through the lens of the Teen Perspective. By collaborating with a trusted adult mentor in their school, students will produce short films (30-90 seconds) that capture the essence of hope, resilience, and the teenage spirit. All winning films will be showcased in their EMMY® Award-Winning PBS series, Hope Givers, amplifying these authentic stories to a broader audience.

"We believe in the power of storytelling to bridge understanding and foster resilience," says Tamlin Hall, founder, and CEO of Connected. "This year's theme, The Teen Perspective, encourages young filmmakers to share their authentic narratives, building connections and empathy among their peers."

How to Participate:

  • Theme: The Teen Perspective
  • Submission Period: Submissions close on December 31, 2023
  • Eligibility: Open to students in grades 6-12 nationwide
  • Collaboration: Students must work with an adult mentor in their school
  • Submission Requirements: Short films (30-90 seconds) reflecting the Teen Perspective on hope and resilience. Creative expression methods include live-action, animation, stop-motion, dance, music, and more.

Winners will receive over $4,000 in cash and prizes. Educators mentoring the films have a chance to win two cash prizes valued at $1,500. Sponsored by BLACKMAGIC, students also have the opportunity to win a copy of Davinci Resolve, the premier software for film and TV.

Teenagers in grades 6-12 from across the country are invited to participate and have their films judged by industry professionals. A distinguished panel of industry professionals will evaluate the submissions, including Marion Dayre, Peabody Award-Winning writer and showrunner for Marvel's ECHO and the upcoming Amazon series GEEK LOVE. 

For contest rules and submissions, please visit hopegiversGA.org.